Microneedling and Collagen P.I.N. Treatment

Micro-Needling – Collagen P.I.N.

As we age our ability to regenerate new skin cells and collagen diminishes. Years of trauma to our skin leaves a lasting mark, contributing to aging factors such as scarring, pigmentation, fine lines, and overall pore size and texture. There are a wide away of effective methods to treat and rejuvenate your skin from laser based treatments, chemical peels and micro-needling.

Micro-needling is a method of introducing a controlled wound into the skin triggering a release of natural growth factors, new collagen & elastin. This process causes much less damage to the epidermis than dermal rolling and other ablative treatments, which helps to protect the new skin cell growth providing for quicker healing and a much higher success rate for overall and longer lasting results.

What is automated Micro-Needling and the Collagen P.I.N.?

Automated Micro-Needling (also known as Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy or PCIT) is a new innovation in aesthetic medicine for the treatment of fine lines, acne scars and improvement of the skin’s overall appearance. During this procedure, tiny needles are used to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin in order to produce collagen and elastin.

The skin’s repair process results in a thicker dermis with the appearance of softer wrinkles. Automated micro-needling also creates superficial micro-channels which allow topical serums, and creams to be absorbed more effectively into the skin.

What is PRP Micro-Needling?

PRP (Plasma Rich Platelets or Growth Factors) Micro-Needling (also known as the Vampire Facial) improves the results of micro needling. The reason is this; growth factors are important for new cell generation and cellular functions, such as creating new collagen and elastic fibers.

Microneedling will create access for platelets to enter the skin. (usually 30 cc of your blood is draw and processed to get 3 to 4 cc of platelet rich plasma). The platelet growth factors nor any other growth factors would be of no benefit if just rubbed on the skin. Once the platelets are deep in the skin their granules are activated and wonderful things start to happen.

As your skin is healing, although this procedure has minimal downtime, the growth factors in a higher concentration that would normally be found induces extra collagen, new cells and increased normal vascularity of the skin. This has a profound effect of the look of our skin.

How is Collagen P.I.N. different?

Micro-needling rollers are the previous generation of needling devices. One of the many drawbacks is that dermal rollers have a fixed needle or penetration depth (i.e. 0.5mm) which is not very conducive when treating an area like the face which requires different depths due to the thickness of skin tissue, which varies in depth tremendously depending on the area being treated. Therefore, having a fixed needle depth or penetration level is a huge drawback when trying to customize a treatment for consistency. Collagen P.I.N. ™ has an adjustable needle depth that allows Dr. Brownell to vary the depth of penetration throughout the entire treatment. This will allow Dr. Brownell to properly address the specific needs of thinner skin on your lower eyelids, crow’s feet, and forehead. Additionally where the tissue is thicker in other areas like the upper lip, cheeks (due to fat pads), neck, and décolletage, the necessary adjustments can easily be treated with 1 needle tip instead of 5 or 6 needle rollers.

What will happen during your Collagen P.I.N. treatment?

When you arrive your skin will be cleansed and a topic anesthetic will be applied 30-60 minutes prior to your treatment. Your anesthetic will then be removed and your skin will be cleansed again to make sure there is nothing on your skin prior to treatment. A sterile needle-tip containing 36 tiny micro-needles is attached to the Collagen P.I.N. Dr. Brownell will apply a thin layer of topical Hyaluronic serum or PRP to your skin and select the appropriate treatment depth based on your unique needs. Next, in a single motion, the Collagen P.I.N. will be gently glided across the skin in one direction until the entire treatment area has been covered. This results in thousands of microscopic channels throughout the entire treatment area. The repair process, Collagen Induction Therapy, begins almost immediately. Fibroblasts – the cells that synthesize new collagen – are active for up to as much as one year after just one Collagen P.I.N. treatment. Depending on your specific needs additional serums may be added. Dr. Brownell will select the appropriate needle depth and number of passes required to properly treat your concerns based upon your individual skin health and skin regimen.

Collagen P.I.N. Results

The results of treatment are both immediate and progressive. Many individuals will begin to see the effectiveness of the treatment after their first visit, however a series of 3-6 treatments may be recommended depending on severity of their skin condition. The Collagen P.I.N. micro-needling treatment is a safe and effective method to activate cellular regeneration while addressing an array of skin conditions including:

Typically a series of 3-6 Collagen P.I.N. treatments is recommended, depending upon your area of correction or concern. Dr. Brownell will ultimately determine a treatment schedule based on your individual goals and desires. Treatments are usually spaced in 4-6 week intervals. Patients with deep wrinkles, advanced sun damage, stretch marks, or any type of scars, usually require 6 or more treatments to achieve the desired results.

Most all patients see results after the first Collagen P.I.N. treatment. Individual results vary depending on individual skin health. It is most common to begin to see true changes or positive results as soon as 1-2 weeks after the first treatment. Many patients comment on positive changes in even less time. (Often change is noted within just a few days)

Collagen P.I.N. produces results through the stimulation of growth factors and collagen, thereby promoting new skin cells to surface. As our skin ages, our collagen production naturally slows down. Your overall result will last longer when using an at home skin care regimen that includes a daily Retinoid product. Dr. Brownell will recommend a skincare regimen customized for you based on your skin type. New collagen & elastin formation in the skin are documented as visually and measurably improved as much as one year after just one treatment. However, a series of treatments is typically recommended for best results.

Prior to your treatment with the Collagen P.I.N., Dr. Brownell will apply a topical numbing agent. Most people say they feel almost nothing after having been pretreated with a topical numbing agent. Others have rated the pain as a 2 on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest level of pain.